In this Musical Moment, VocalEssence artistic director and founder Philip Brunelle shares insider information and beautiful music by the composer Adolphus Hailstork.
Adolphus Hailstork
b. 1941
The music of the accomplished composer Adolphus Hailstork is frequently performed and commissioned by acclaimed ensembles throughout the United States. Hailstork studied at the Manhattan School of Music under Vittorio Giannini and David Diamond, at the American Institute at Fontainebleau with Nadia Boulanger, and at Howard University with Mark Fax. He also obtained his doctoral degree in composition from Michigan State University, where he studied under H. Owen Reed. His compositions include works for chorus (some with orchestra), solo voice, piano, organ, chamber ensembles, symphony and opera. Currently, Hailstork is professor of music and composer-in-residence at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia and is writing his Fourth Symphony, plus a tribute to George Floyd, titled A Knee on a Neck, for chorus and orchestra. His choral music often combines the traditions of various genres of African-American music and European music. He excels at evoking the mood and meaning of texts through his rich harmonic language.
Suggested choral pieces:
- Nocturne (Theodore Presser Co. 312-41645)
- Wake Up, My Spirit (Theodore Presser Co. 312-41765)
- Set Me As A Seal Upon Thine Heart (Theodore Presser Co. PR3173)
For more on Adolphus Hailstork, visit his website: https://www.adolphushailstork.com/